PALM SUNDAY
This is the day the LORD hath made, we will rejoice and we will be glad in it.
"After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem."
- Luke 19:28 Read the rest of the account through verse 48.
In four short days, the trial of Jesus would begin in Jerusalem. He
already knew the outcome, for in five days His beaten and crucified
body would be lying lifeless in a grave. In spite of that, Jesus still
went to Jerusalem. Of His own volition, knowing the result of the steps
He would take, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. Harm's way
certainly awaited Him.
Jesus wasn't taken by force or surprise. No struggle ensued. Neither
was He a helpless victim. Jesus entered Jerusalem knowing full well the
cross was his final destination.
Why would He "eternal King" deliberately walk a road that led to death?
Scripture provides the reasons. First, it was . . .
PALM SUNDAY
This is the day the LORD hath made, we will rejoice and we will be glad in it.
"After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem."
- Luke 19:28 Read the rest of the account through verse 48.
In four short days, the trial of Jesus would begin in Jerusalem. He already knew the outcome, for in five days His beaten and crucified body would be lying lifeless in a grave. In spite of that, Jesus still went to Jerusalem. Of His own volition, knowing the result of the steps He would take, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. Harm's way certainly awaited Him.
Jesus wasn't taken by force or surprise. No struggle ensued. Neither was He a helpless victim. Jesus entered Jerusalem knowing full well the cross was his final destination.
Why would He "eternal King" deliberately walk a road that led to death? Scripture provides the reasons. First, it was His Father's will. "It was the LORD'S will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer..(and make) His life a guilt offering" Isa. 53:10. Second, it was Christ's joyous will. Heb. 12:2 proclaims, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross." The Son's will mirrored the Father's
Jesus could have fled on horse back to the hills, instead, our King, with raw determination, headed straight to Jerusalem, the city of death for Him.
He went to Jerusalem for you and me. He willingly subjected Himself to death because we have not subjected ourselves completely to God. Rather than following the route God has laid out in His Word, we have walked, yes even ran away from it. Our priceless King subjected Himself to death in Jerusalem to give us the priceless forgiveness of sins. This Holy Week we will again have the blessed opportunity to witness the full extent of our Savior's love as we follow Him to the cross. On a hill outside Jerusalem, Jesus conquered. His death defeated death. His sacrifice destroyed sin. His life-giving work routed Satan. We partake of His victory through faith.
Ride on! Ride on in majesty,
In lowly pomp ride on to die:
O Christ, Thy triumphs now begin
Over captive death and conquered sin.
PRAY - Dear Jesus, I praise and thank You for going to Jerusalem for me. Amen